‘Growing and getting better’: Benitez says Everton have a top 20-year-old in their ranks

Sat 6 November 2021 10:15, UK Updated Sat 6 November 2021 10:34, UK

Everton manager Rafa Benitez has waxed lyrical about Toffees academy gratuate Anthony Gordon.

The Goodison boss says the 20-year-old has what it takes to become “important” for the club and is steadily “growing and getting better”.

Gordon is one of the most highly rated youngsters to come through the ranks at Everton in recent years.

He has made 28 senior appearances for Everton since making his debut in 2017 and has featured eight times this season.

On Friday, Gordon received his first England Under-21 call-up, and Benitez was quick to sing his player’s praises.

“He is doing well, really pleased for him to be called by [England] Under-21s,” he told the Everton .

“He is a player who is growing and getting better. He can score goals and he has to go there.

“He has to keep balancing his game. I am sure he will do well and be an important player for Everton in the future.”

England U21s youngsters face Czech Republic in a Euro 2023 qualifier in Burnley next week.

Lee Carsley’s charges then head to Georgia for a friendly on November 16.

England U21s are third in Group G, five points behind leaders Czech Republic with a game in hand.

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